Elleste Solo - after hysterectomy advice please

[My_adventures]

Hi everyone

I'm two weeks post hysterectomy inc. ovaries and tubes. I had stage 4 with a kissing ovaries that was a combined mass of 23cm.

My consultant was supposed to write to my GP about my surgery and which HRT to take, he has gone on the sick with covid and it hasn't been drafted yet. He told me to come off tiblone and start taking either progesterone or oestrogen only, I couldn't remember which.

The GP has given me Elleste Solo 1mg. But inside it says to take extra care if you've had endometriosis or any endometrial growths. So now I don't know what to do.

I'm probably being super sensitive at the moment. But I'm so confused and like us all, feel like I have to fight for information, advice and support. Every step feels like a fight, even getting a letter about which HRT I should take.

I really don't want the endometriosis to grow back if it can be fueled by HRT, but I'm 42 and my mum has really bad osteoporosis anyway already and is only in her 60s so do want to take it.

If anyone can shed any light I would be very grateful.

Many thanks

[claudia_91 Moderator Endometriosis UK]

Hi My_adventures

It's nice to hear from you. I hope your surgery went smoothly, it sounds like it was very complex and extensive. It's a real shame that your consultant caught Covid and has been unable to send the letter to your GP with details of your treatment. Would it be possible to contact your consultant's secretary and ask if they can email the information onto you? I know that letters are often dictated and typed up by secretaries, so it is possible that the secretary has the dictation. Worth a try, perhaps?

It does feel really unfair to have to be fighting for your treatment two weeks post-surgery. You really need to be focusing on your recovery right now. If you want to have a chat with someone who understands what you're going through, you can call the Endometriosis Helpline which is run by friendly volunteers. The current rota is here: endometriosis-uk.org/helpline

I hope things work out for you. Keep resting and remember to be kind to yourself 😊

Take care,

Claudia

[My_adventures in reply to claudia_91]

Thank you Claudia ❤️Crazy hormones and recovery! 🙈

[Goofy22]

Hi - I had a hysterectomy yesterday and was chatting with my consultant about HRT - you need the progesterone as well as the estrogen apparently. Good luck

[Minnie153]

Hi,Try the endo nurse specialist and see if she can help. You need oestrogen and progesterone (uterogestan tablets are best).

I had total hysterectomy and oophorectomy in January, it takes time to get to grips with HRT dose etc but I wouldn’t be without it now.

If GP can’t get info you need transdermal oestrogen and progesterone they can prescribe this and it’s fine with previous endo. The progesterone helps to prevent re growth.

Good luck

[My_adventures]

Thank you!

[Completer40]

Hi there, I was in a similar position and had a hysterectomy two years ago. It's taken quite a while but I've found that I'm fine and pain free on daily livial. I also cut up and use an evorel 50 patch (about a 1/6 of a patch) and that extra bit of estrogen keeps the hot flushes and waking in the middle of the night away. It's been a bit trial and error and my wonderful gp consulted a couple of times with my consultant who did the op to check that my hrt dose is unlikely to bring the endo back.

I would ask to be referred to a different consultant immediately for post op aftercare. You need the guidance now until you get your hrt spot on for you. I hope that helps? Xx

[My_adventures in reply to Completer40]

Thank you so much for replying. I feel like I've just been left, I didn't even think to ask for another consultant. We are in a different trust to the hospital and communication isnt always the best.

Thank you for your advice. ❤️

[Completer40 in reply to My_adventures]

Anytime, I'm sure your life will be so much better from now on. Mine has been great so far x

[My_adventures in reply to Completer40]

Just spoke to the hospital and she's putting me under another consultant to sign off my letter - thank you so much for the idea.

[Completer40]

Fantastic news!! Make sure they don't fob you off. You need to get your hrt right.